Researchers were able to restore the function of neurons linked to cognitive function and information processing in mice that mimic key features of Alzheimer’s disease, showing early promise for the development of a similar targeted therapy in humans. The findings are published in Neuron.

For patients battling neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other dementias, delivering disease-fighting antibody drugs directly to the brain has proven to be a difficult task. Our bodies set up tight walls to prevent infections from spreading to the brain, where they often become fatal.

Tumors possess myriad mechanisms to ensure their survival even at the peril of the host. Now scientists are delving deeper into how cancer cells alter the metabolism of specific amino acids to support the malignancy’s growth while simultaneously evading the antitumor activity of the host’s immune system.